Distinction for amazing Natasha

A mother has said she is ‘so proud’ of her daughter who is not only a full-time carer but was also hit by a car the day before her first GCSE exam.

Despite her ordeal Natasha Burrows, from Hastings, picked up a distinction in her BTEC in children’s play, learning and development from Ark Helenswood Academy.

She also gained a distinction in ECDL – the equivalent of an A grade.

“The day before my exam, I was crossing the road on my way home and I got hit by a car,” she said.

“I was in the hospital for six hours and had to miss the exam. My teachers sent in supporting information to the exam board so they can determine my grade, but I still had five exams to get on with after that.

“I was on very strong painkillers after the accident because I had a bruised coccyx, but I tried my best.”

Natasha is a carer for her mother who has fibromyaglia but the school helped her to manage revision while looking after her mum.

“My mum’s condition affects her whole body and it means that she can’t do a lot of normal, day-to-day tasks,” she said.

“When it was my exams, Helenswood supported me to make sure I could manage studying while being a carer.

“They offered extra revision sessions and materials to make sure that I never missed out, even if I had to leave early to help my mum.”

Natasha said she was thankful for the academy’s support throughout the exam period.

“There were a lot of changes when Helenswood became an Ark academy, but they’ve been for the better. There’s a lot more support to help students get the grades they are capable of,” she said.

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